Postings by Arkane's Family

Barking / Baying is a way of life for Beagles and pretty much all hound dogs. Shock collars definitely won't help and would probably intensify the barking, especially if it is out of fear.

With that being said, all you can really do is give him something better to do. If you're going to vacuum put him in another room with a Kong or a bullystick. If he is too stressed from the sound to even do that, take him outside to where the sound isn't as loud and have someone else vacuum while you give him treats and play with him so he slowly gets desensitized to the sound. Do this with other machinery too.

With other dogs and people.. it is very similar. You need to start at a distance that he isn't going to react. Feed him treats and reward heavily for focusing on you, what you're teaching him is that you are more rewarding than barking at X. He could be barking out of fear and has learned that barking = scary thing goes away.

Is she crated at all when you leave ? You could try to crate her and cover the crate with a blanket (this usually stops my puppies from howling when they're younger).
Could you crate her or leave her out and walk out the front door and does she react? Maybe walk out and if she doesn't howl after 30 or so seconds go back in and praise her then abruptly leave.. she might howl then because she is excited.. wait it out.. after 3-4 seconds of quiet go in and praise her. If she doesn't howl try waiting a minute and go inside and praise.

Either way you are teaching her that you will come back, and that what she was doing (being quiet and waiting) is going to get her attention.

You could also try playing music or leaving the TV on to make it sound / feel like you are home.

I've also heard that vocal dogs become remarkably less vocal when they aren't hungry ? I don't know if there is any truth behind it though. Could try feeding her, and maybe while she is in the middle of eating just walk out.. hopefully won't notice?

Going to throw out there at a Kai Ken might fit what you'd like (but not terribly perfect).
My Kai female is just shy of one year old and is 25lb, some are 30lb, males tend to be larger but there are smaller ones (30lb).. Depends widely on genetics.

Kai have lots of energy, Tavi will easily do 10 miles, and still have the energy to rip up your leather seats in stealth (I know from experience). They are super versatile, Tavi herds sheep and ducks, competes in barn hunt, agility, obedience, and we're getting into flyball. We're going to take the TDI with her (Therapy dog certification) very soon.

They are a Japanese breed like the Shiba Inu and Akita, but much more friendly-- dog and people wise, and bidding. However, this comes with a price as many are emotional (handler soft) and can be quite flighty / fearful, so socialization and lots of exposure from early on is good.

Feel free to join the Kai community at:
http://www.nihonken.org/forum/

You can also e-mail me at omgtain@gmail.com for more info, questions, etc.

Throwing out there at you can get Wellness for 20% off at Petsmart most of the time because it isnt super popular.

But I will say that I love Wellness. Blue Buffalo is getting too much attention and it is just a second away from being bought out by Purina or Iams. Their recent recalls have been unsettling and Wellness has never had a recall that I know of. Old Mother Hubbard treats are also made by Wellness.

My leave it means to get the hell away from there.
So if my dogs are near something and they hear leave it, they either circle around or come back to me for further instructions. I taught this by capturing them backing away from treats / objects / high value things.

Drop it / Out is much more relaxed, and is usually followed up with me replacing the item. So if Tavi has a bird in her mouth and I ask her to out, it means shes going to get cheese! Or if she outs her toy she gets another game of tug / fetch.

My leave it means to get the hell away from there.
So if my dogs are near something and they hear leave it, they either circle around or come back to me for further instructions. I taught this by capturing them backing away from treats / objects / high value things.

Drop it / Out is much more relaxed, and is usually followed up with me replacing the item. So if Tavi has a bird in her mouth and I ask her to out, it means shes going to get cheese! Or if she outs her toy she gets another game of tug / fetch.

Let them know how selfish they are being. They are acting no better than strictly religious parents extremely limiting their kids. Dogs know what is best for themselves, so tell your sister to let the dog choose.. have them put out a bowl of vegetarian food, a bowl of kibble, and a steak.. lets bet on where the dog goes to!